Despite strong winds, overcast skies, light drizzle and temperatures hovering in the mid-50s, the 56th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk drew thousands of people to walk the five mile span on Labor Day.
The winds did not stop the event, but Dawn Edwards, Executive Director of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce said, “They are keeping an eye on it. They walk them on the far side because
there is less of a crosswind.”
The walk began at 7 a.m. with Gov. Rick Snyder leading walkers across the Mackinac Bridge. Participants were allowed to start crossing until 11 a.m.
Buses hired by the Mackinac Bridge Authority provided walkers a ride from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace for a fee of $5.
Security was heightened this year due to recent terrorist attacks such as the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15. All purses, bags and backpacks were searched by the Michigan State Police to ensure the safety of participants.
“Everything is running smooth,” said Mackinaw City Police Chief Patrick Wyman, “A lot of planning goes into an event like this.”
Wyman also said that along with the bag checks on the St. Ignace side of the bridge, extra precautions were in place in Mackinaw City as well.
The Bridge Walk brings walkers of all kinds, from first timers to those who have walked several times.
Dave VanderHyde, a first time participant, checked the walk off his bucket list. VanderHyde said he enjoyed the walk.
Veteran walker Ray Kiekintveld from Holland, Michigan, walked the bridge for his 55th time this year.
He was there for the first Bridge walk, but did not participate because “Only dignitaries walked that first year.”
Labor Day brings young and old alike to cross the Straits of Mackinac. Florence Notestein, 96, from
LaGrange, Indiana, walked this year, making her one of the oldest to make the walk. According to Edwards, the youngest to cross the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day was 2 weeks old, and the oldest was
97 years old.
Edwards said many different countries were represented also, noting participants from “China, Australia and Denmark this year.”
The Wiemer family has been making the walk throughout the generations, from the elder members who have walked for 28 years, to the younger generation who have crossed not only on their own, but in the womb as well.
The next time the Mackinaw Bridge will be open to pedestrians is October 12, for the 5th Annual Fall Colors Bridge Run. Runners will be able to cross from 6-7 a.m.
For more information about the run, contact the Mackinaw Area Visitor’s Bureau at 1-800-666-0160 or visit www.mackinawcity.com.